Screen Printing vs DTG: A Straight Comparison
The one rule that decides it
Almost every screen-printing-vs-DTG question comes down to a single tradeoff: screen printing has a high setup cost but a low per-piece cost, while DTG has no setup but a flat per-piece cost. That means quantity and color count decide the winner — not which is “better” in the abstract.
Where screen printing wins
Big runs and simple designs. Once you’re printing dozens or hundreds of shirts with a one- to three-color logo, the screen setup spreads thin and the per-shirt price drops below anything DTG can match. Screen printing also lays down thicker, more opaque, more vivid ink — it simply looks bolder on a dark shirt and lasts longer through heavy washing. See screen printing for the full method.
Where DTG wins
Small runs and complex art. Need 15 shirts, or a full-color photo, or every shirt slightly different? DTG has no per-color setup and no minimum, so complexity and low quantity are free. The print is softer to the touch, though slightly less opaque on dark fabric. See DTG printing for details.
The breakeven, roughly
For a simple 1–2 color design, screen printing usually becomes cheaper somewhere around 24–50 shirts. Below that, or for photographic and many-color art, DTG wins. A quick gut check: few colors and high quantity → screen print; many colors or low quantity → DTG. Both decorate custom t-shirts well; the order size is what should decide.
Frequently asked
Is screen printing or DTG cheaper?
It depends on quantity and colors. Screen printing is cheaper for larger orders with few colors, because its setup cost spreads across the run. DTG is cheaper for small orders and multi-color or photographic designs, because it has no per-color setup. The breakeven is usually around 24–50 pieces.
Which lasts longer, screen printing or DTG?
A properly cured screen print is generally more durable over many hot washes, with thicker, more opaque ink. Quality DTG prints last well but can fade slightly faster over time. For heavy daily-wear garments, screen printing has a durability edge; for occasional wear, the difference is minor.
When should I choose DTG over screen printing?
Choose DTG for small quantities, full-color or photographic designs, and orders where each piece may differ, since there's no setup or minimum. Choose screen printing for larger runs of a simple, few-color logo, where it's cheaper per piece and more vivid on dark fabric.